Ingredients
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
- 250 ml (1 cup) red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- 120 g (4 oz) pancetta, diced
- 300 g (1 lb) button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 20 g (2 tbsp) tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches, browning each side for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pancetta
In the same pot, add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Mushrooms
In a separate large skillet, sauté the mushrooms with a little olive oil until golden brown and slightly tender. Set aside.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
Return the chicken and pancetta to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Simmer and Stew
Add the chicken stock, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 40-50 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
Step 7: Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking
Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your Coq au Vin hot, over a plate of noodles or mashed potatoes, if desired.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered crafting the classic Coq au Vin, a dish that elegantly showcases the depth of French culinary art. Its richly layered flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion, offering a delightful experience for the palate. Serve it with crusty French bread to savor every drop of the luscious sauce. Enjoy sharing this timeless dish with family and friends as it unravels as a testament to your culinary expertise.
